If the recent Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. (OBS) February select sale of 2-year-olds in training was any indication, it's going to be a tough year for yearling-to-juvenile pinhookers. The rate of return (ROR) on their investment, 30.7%, ranked among their worst ever based on figures that date back to 1990. It was the weakest since the ROR dropped to its lowest point during the 20-year period of 17.1% in 1993.

The market for young horses sizzled as the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. kicked off the selling season for 2-year-olds in training Tuesday in Central Florida with its February select auction, which attracted a large, diverse group of enthusiastic shoppers.